St Leonards restaurant staff 'left black and blue' after bill incident

Aldo Esposito, who owns Italian restaurant La Bella Vista in Grand Parade, St Leonards, said he spoke to two people about paying their bill and then one threatened to get a knife from the kitchen to stab him.

Mr Esposito said: "They said they had a booking, but we couldn't find it.

"It was quiet, so we gave them a table anyway.

"They seemed to be fine to start with."

"They were very arrogant," said 52-year-old Aldo.

The window was smashed (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Staff and customers were left with cuts and bruises and Aldo a dislocated finger during the incident in the evening of Saturday, October 12, he said.

Manager Kat Cmokova said her staff had been left “black and blue” with bruises.

Manager Kat Cmokova said staff were left 'black and blue' (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) READ MORE: Diners leave without paying £390 bill after saying 'the food was rubbish'

In a statement on Facebook, the restaurant said: "Our staff were subjected to a horrific physical attack, both personally and to the restaurant’s property. 

"We understand that some of you may be wondering, “How does this keep happening?” or “Why haven’t you implemented a solution?” The reality is, in an industry centred around customer service and creating a comfortable, luxurious experience, how would you feel being asked to provide your card details upon arrival?"

A staff member said they were bruised on their arms (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

The statement continues: "We already face resistance in requesting card authentication and deposits from large groups, let alone from every guest who walks through the door. We cannot afford to turn away business or risk creating a negative impression on potential guests, especially in today’s digital age. Even many large chains don’t impose such policies universally, so for a small, family-run business like ours, it’s a considerable challenge.

"We believe the core issue isn’t how we manage bookings or payments, but rather that such behaviour simply shouldn’t happen. In the service industry, as with any other, mutual respect is essential—and unfortunately, but too often it’s more than lacking."

Aldo Esposito after the incident (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

A police spokeswoman added: "On Saturday,October 12, at around 5.40pm, officers responded to a report of a woman and man fighting with staff and damaging property inside a restaurant in Grand Parade, St Leonards.

"A further report was made to police that a weapon had also been used to threaten staff following a dispute over payment of their bill.

"Officers arrested a 39-year-old woman from Crawley nearby in Saxon Street on suspicion of criminal damage, common assault and assault. She was taken to custody, and has since been bailed with strict conditions pending further enquiries.

"We are continuing to work to identify a further suspect, and ask anyone who witnessed the incident or who has footage to assist the investigation to make a report to police. You can do this online, or by calling 101 quoting reference 917 of 12/10."